Passion, Humanity And Responsibility

Sustainability is Familiar Ground

We’ve cared about sustainability since before standards
were imposed on the industry.

As early as 1946, with the introduction of the radial tyre (now the most common
tyre), we reduced the rolling resistance of tyres by 30%.

In 1992 we reduced it by another 20% with the addition of the Silica technology,
making tyres longer-lasting and more fuel-efficient.

What is rolling resistance?
Rolling resistance is the main challenge for tyre makers since
it's intrinsic to the product: an object that rolls creates friction
and therefore the engine has to work harder.

The quality of the tyre determines the fuel efficiency against that friction force.

In 2012, the MICHELIN ENERGYTM E-V was made available
for electric cars to increase their autonomy.
We're currently working on our fifth generation of green tyres.
We aim to improve fuel economy by at least 2% and we have also reduced CO2
emissions with each successive generation.

Our Approach to Sustainability

Clean energy

Our facilities are monitored and optimized to use less energy.
Some of them use solar panels, wind power and local
alternative methods to get energy, preserving air quality.

Recycling

Used tyres can be 100% recovered, either as energy
or raw material.
They are reused as filling material, soundproof walls, railroad ties, drainage solutions and synthetic surfaces for sports fields and playgrounds.
Currently, 95% of end-of-life tyres are recovered in Europe and 97% in Brazil.
In Australia, we’re working with the TSA (Tyre Stewardship Australia) to transform used tyres into a useful commodity, creating new industries and employment opportunities while also reducing environmental harm.

Renewal of natural rubber

We have re-forestation program in place to ensure the sustainability of rubber (Hevea) tree cultivation. We conduct biological and agricultural research to improve the quality of natural rubber and combat diseases in Hevea trees.

Biodiversity

More than 2,700 acres of our Bahia, Brazil rubber plantation have been kept totally uncultivated to help protect the forest's flora and fauna.

A few key stats

17,649

In 2012, 17,649 of our employees'
work days were dedicated to work with local communities.

33%

Since 2005, Michelin has reduced the emissions impact of our facilities by 33%.

16trillion

In the last 20 years, we've helped to save 16 trillion litres of fuel.

40billion

In the last 20 years, we've prevented the emission of 40 billion tons of CO2.2.

30million

Rubber tree cultivation provides a living for 30 million people a year.

We're In This Together

If we all work together we can find more creative solutions.

The Michelin Challenge Bibendum

Over 15 years ago, we created the Michelin Challenge Bibendum. It has now become the world summit on sustainable mobility, bringing together political, industry, scientific, and media representatives to discuss sustainable road mobility. International students brainstorm and develop fresh, brilliant ideas for better mobility, and decision-makers and opinion leaders are involved to bring those ideas to the next level. And that's just the beginning.

MICHELIN Total Performance Award

This award is a new competition focused on innovation in both performance and sustainable mobility. MICHELIN will introduce it at the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours, awarded to the first team to meet a rigorous set of criteria in performance, longevity and energy efficiency. One million Euros will be invested into research into sustainable mobility by an independent academic institute.

The New Formula E

We are the official tyre provider of the new Formula E championship to boost the development of sustainable, high performance electrical vehicle technology in even the most challenging technical environment - racing.